HOW THE WOODPECKER COURTS HIS MATE 19 



the beautiful ground-colors of his body. He 

 danced before his lady, showing her all these 

 beauties, and perhaps boasting a little of his own 

 good looks, though she was no less beautiful. 

 He spread his wings and tail for her inspec- 

 tion ; he bowed, to show his red crescent ; he 

 bridled, he stepped forward and back and side- 

 wise with deep bows to his mistress, coaxing her 

 with the mellowest and most enticing co-wee- 

 tucks, which no doubt in his language meant 

 " Oh, promise me," laughing now and then his 

 jovial ivick-a-wick-a-wick-a-wick-a, either in glee 

 or nervousness. It was all so very silly — and 

 so very nice ! I wonder how it all came out. 

 Did she promise him ? Or did she find a gayer 

 suitor ? 



